Belgium and the Netherlands agree closer rail cooperation

Both countries want to advance the Rhine-Ruhr connection 3RX, a freight rail link between Ghent and Terneuzen and new links to North Brabant (Brainport Eindhoven–Brussels); the ministers are to meet at least once a year, and a framework agreement is targeted for summer 2026.

Belgium and the Netherlands want to step up their cooperation on rail; Mobility Minister Jean-Luc Crucke and State Secretary Thierry Aartsen (infrastructure and water management) signed a declaration in Antwerp to that end. The focus is on the Rhine-Ruhr connection 3RX, a freight rail link between the port of Ghent and Terneuzen and new links between Belgium and North Brabant, above all between Brainport Eindhoven and Brussels; further aims are more capacity on cross-border lines, better military mobility and more resilient rail traffic. The responsible ministers are to meet at least once a year, and both countries aim to sign a framework agreement in summer 2026; the rail agreements of 2022 remain the basis. (LOK Report, 26 Feb 2026)